The Women's World Cup Is Less Than a Year Away

Sad the World Cup is over? Don't be! There's another one coming soon.

Tony Feder/Getty Images

Published July 16, 2018

Published a month ago

The men's World Cup ended on Sunday, July 15, with a thrilling final between France and Croatia that left Les Bleus the winners after a 4-2 match. Many have called this tournament one of the best of all time, so it makes sense that football fans are feeling letdown now that it's all over. But never fear! There's another World Cup on the way next summer. The women's tournament will kick off in France on June 7, 2019, with just as many compelling storylines as the men's side. Here, a look at the teams to watch. (Above: Australian striker Sam Kerr does a back flip goal celebration in 2017.)

Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesTHE UNITED STATESThe best part for American fans? The women's team is still a top squad and will most likely qualify! The 2015 World Cup Champions will host their federation qualifiers in October, a tournament where they'll look to launch their bid for a fourth World Cup championship. (Above: Midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz celebrate Rapinoe's goal during a friendly in June.)

Francois Nel/Getty ImagesAUSTRALIAThe Mathildas have been a team on the rise over the last couple years, and they even beat the U.S. for the first time ever at the Tournament of Nations in Seattle last year. Part of that is thanks to Sam Kerr, a thrilling 24-year-old forward, who might just be the best female player in the world right now.AFP Contributor/AFP/Getty ImagesFRANCECan France's women equal their men's success? The French women have underachieved in major tournaments. But this time they'll have home field advantage for their talented squad that includes stars like forward Eugénie Le Sommer and defender and captain Wendie Renard (above).Jean Catuffe/Getty ImagesGERMANYThe perennial soccer power won gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, a tournament that saw the U.S. exit in a shocking quarterfinal loss. Since then, however, the team has had some struggles, including a quarterfinal loss at last year's European Championship.

Steve Bardens-FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesSWEDENSpeaking of the Olympics: It was a persistent Swedish squad that sent the U.S. home early in 2016. They couldn't beat Germany in the Olympic final, though, and had a disappointing showing at the European Championships last year, with a defeat in the quarterfinals.Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty ImagesBRAZILThe Brazilians didn't make it out of the Round of 16 at the last World Cup. But they still have plenty of young talent and the services of Marta (above), who, at age 32, is one of the best female soccer players of all time.Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty ImagesTHE NETHERLANDSThe Dutch team — led by FIFA 2017 player of the year Lieke Martens — is very much on the rise, after winning the European Championships last year.

Kyodo News/Kyodo News via Getty ImagesJAPANThe Japan squad has been in a rebuilding phase since their defeat in the 2015 World Cup finals and their failure to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. Earlier this year, they bounced back with a win over Australia in the Asian Cup final (above).NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesENGLANDWill the World Cup come home this time? England's squad has some big-time talent, but has yet to win a major tournament. They've also suffered some off-the-pitch turmoil: Former coach Mark Sampson was sacked last year over allegations of inappropriate conduct at a previous job.Robert Cianflone - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesCANADALed by all-time great Christine Sinclair, the Americans' rivals to the north are always in contention and picked up a bronze at the 2016 Olympics.